The United States is standing firmly behind a free and democratic Georgia. This was the message delivered by US Vice President Joe Biden during a visit to the former Soviet republic.

In a speech to the Georgian parliament on Thursday, Mr Biden also called on Russia to observe the terms of the peace agreement signed by the two countries.

Almost one year ago, Russia and Georgia waged a short war over two breakaway Georgian regions: Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Following the war, with Russia’s support, the two regions declared themselves independent.

Until now, Nicaragua is the only other country in the world to have recognised their independence. Mr Biden called on other countries not to follow Russia and Nicaragua’s example.

Photo of Joe Biden by Stephen Bolen (flickr)